MASTER CRUX -1 JULY 2017

Upsc mains answer writing series called master 2017 is an everyday series & MASTER CRUX is associated with that daily initiative. This is not MODEL ANSWER or ANSWER. This is just to understand question demands and way of approach. It may not be in word limit. just to revise or recollect missed points if any.

General Studies -01

Syllabus area:Post-Independence (consolidation and reorganisation within country)

Q1: Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement. (200 words)

Tashkent agreement  signed on 10 January 1966 was a cease fire and peace deal between india & paksitan that formally concluded india pak war of 1965 and this deal was brokered by erstwhile USSR.War provoked by Operation Grand Slam & operation Gibraltar, to infiltrate insurgents in Kashmir by Pakistan was ended with Tashkent agreement.

CIRCUMSTANCES

-Indian army retaliated from both east and west front & reached near lahore.

-It was aimed at peace, rather than having conclusive answers to the everlasting problem of Kashmir.

-There was  a great possibility that no country would have won the war and a stalemate situation like Korean war might have been a natural outcome in the end.

– There was a possibility of participation from china in war.

-Prolonged war would have further devastated economy, high inflation, famine and death.

-Overall south Asia would have become more fragmented.

Highlights of war

-Both sides will withdraw force to pre conflict area.

-Restore normal and peaceful relation between India and Pakistan

-Reaffirmation from both the sides that under UN charter through peaceful means the existing issues will be solved.

-Non-interference in the internal matters.

-If there are matters of direct concern then a meeting at the highest level will be called and they will be discussed.

1965 war was inconclusive as it restored the position back to pre-war conditions. India gained almost nothing apart from not falling a prey to the world politics by major powers.The agreement was a strategic win for India as Kashmir territories retained but it could be a permanent solution. Quest for military advantage remained and lead to another war in 1971.

 

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General Studies -02

Syllabus area: International relations; india & its neighborhood relations.

Q2: The principal international challenge for India in the coming years has to be coping with China’s rise and growing assertiveness . Critically comment. (200 words)

China in recent years has itself established itself as a regional hegemon trying to rewrite the rules of international engagements. Pentagon report about string of pearls have security implications on india. The recent complex political turmoils raised questions about the future relationship.

why India should worry about china?:

1) NSG Issue – .China opposed the bid of India’s entry to NSG which is frustrating for India.

2) CPEC – It is road link infrastructure that will connect Gwadar port of pakistan to Kashgar in China.India raises problem to this because the route passes through PoK (Gilgit Baltistan), without India’s consent.

3) Border dispute- Even though several territorial land pockets of LAC have come under dispute, the two main unresolved issues remain Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh.

4)Competition- China is the lone super power competitor with india in asian region.Dumping of china which affects india’s local market & anti dumping duty proposal by india also worsen the scenario.

5) Water issue – 4 rivers flows to India through China . China is building number of water projects including dam on Brahmaputra. This is threatening India for water problems in North-East.

6) Other issues – The attempt of domination in South china sea creates navigation troubles ,There are some issue of china with Dalai Lama who stays in India and India didn’t like the stand of China on Masoor Azhar’s Issue; China’s support to PAK is also a matter of concern.
PRINCIPAL CONCERNS other than CHINA internationally.

1) Economic interdependence- Two leading economies can’t withstand without mutual co-operation. India has $ 60 billion trade deficit with china and china don’t want to lose one of it’s biggest market.

2) panchaseel – The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence including Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs exists.

2) Globalisation – Both countries are against protectionism and want the world to be open market.

3) Paris Climate Agreement – India and China are the two fastest growing economies and working towards climate change issue and sustainable development.

4) Relations- India keeps strong & stable relation with common interest in balancing  chinas impact with countries like south korea,Japan,ASEAN ..etc

5) FDI from China – China has great capital and they need a secure market to invest and India can be prove to be a perfect destination.

6) Terrorism – Both the countries are against terrorism and can work together to eradicate it .

So, Indias policy should be to co-operate with china, whenever possible for mutual progress and healthy competition whenever necessary.

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General Studies -03

Syllabus area:Indian economy;Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

Q3 : GST is certainly an economic landmark, but it’s also a work in progress .Discuss the long-term benefits & immediate short term obstacles. (200 words)

Good and service tax is considered as the biggest tax reform in the independent india rolled out on june 30 midnight.The implementation from july 1 have lot of positive hopes as well as confusions.

LONG TERMS BENEFITS

1.Cascading effect- Reducing cascading effect & thus reducing costs of goods and services.

2.Single market- This will avoid conflicts in check posts & creates transparency.

3.Ease of doing business- One tax one market attracts more investments

4.Reduction in complaints – Since the slabs are defined & most of the process are automated.

5.Evading tax- This major issue can be avoided with input credit feature.

6.Motive- This will change business motive from TAX oriented to transaction oriented approach.

SHORT TERM OBSTACLES

1. Untested platform- This is not yet tested for efficiency and accuracy which created ambiguity.

2.Tax slabs – This makes confusion & misinterpretations among ordinary people.

3. Claus – Clarity is missing with many claus like anti profiteering .

4.Concern of state government – Revenue sharing is a concern of states when trade happens between 3 or more states.

5. Poor awareness- Eventhough helpline is provided things like filing returns,reports are confusing.

6.Benefit to customer – Even though this is done for a noble cause; the delivery of benefit to customer is not viisble.

In short,GST is a revolution with positive impact to customers & country in the long run,Eventhough there are few confusion and ambiguities in short term.

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General Studies -04

Syllabus area: Ethics case studies